6GHz WiFi will bring radical change to global capacity

“Extending WiFi into the 6GHz spectrum band can provide more WiFi capacity than all the other bands put together,” WBA CEO Tiago Rodrigues explained. “What’s more, using WiFi 6 technology in the extended band (also known as WiFi 6E) will deliver higher speeds, low latency and service levels that are equivalent to 5G networks and be able to support the widespread, low cost, use of advanced business, industrial and consumer applications.

“In terms of the capability and capacity of networks, WiFi 6E, will rewrite the rules of what is possible,” Rodrigues added.

The WBA confirmed that its early trials of WiFi 6E achieved speeds of 2Gbps as well as consistent two-millisecond low latency connections, and a major step-up from current WiFi technology. Carried out in San Jose, California, by WBA member companies Broadcom and Intel Corp, the trials demonstrated that WiFi 6E can meet the needs of industrial and consumer applications of virtual and augmented reality technology.

The WBA has been leading a series of successful WiFi 6 trials across different verticals including Industry 4.0, residential, education, transportation hubs, sports stadiums etc. and these are now extending to WiFi 6E and additional verticals. WBA member and partner companies taking part in the trials include Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, Boingo Networks, Broadcom, Cable Labs, Cisco, Comcast, GlobalReach Technology, Intel Corp and SK Telecom..

“WiFi 6E technology is designed to deliver performance in highly congested places,” said Rodrigues, “and the next phase of our trials will prove that performance in real world locations. These trials will demonstrate the application and the benefits of the technology in live environments and through this accelerate the adoption and creation of new business opportunities enabled by the opening of the 6GHz spectrum to be used for WiFi services.”  

Companies and organisations interested in the trials and potentially becoming involved should visit the WBA’s WiFi 6E website.

Welcoming the FCC ruling, WBA Member companies said:

Chuck Lukaszewski, Vice President of Wireless Strategy and Standards, Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company said: “This forward-looking action by the FCC will unleash the next 20 years of WiFi innovation. The 6GHZ unlicensed spectrum band is the key to affordable, multi-gigabit broadband, and this decision is great for 5G offload economics.”

“Expanding WiFi services into the 6GHz band opens up new possibilities for wireless innovation. It’s a significant band of spectrum that can turbo-charge the applications of WiFi technology and enable Boingo to maximise the benefits of its neutral host deployments at major airports, stadiums, military bases and apartment buildings.” 

Christopher Szymanski, Director Product Marketing & Govt. Affairs, Broadcom said: “The results of our trials of WiFi 6E have been conclusive. WiFi 6E raises the bar for wireless capabilities and will enable proliferation of 5G services. The FCC’s decision brings our trials from the lab and into offices and living rooms for business and consumers to enjoy.”  

Matthew MacPherson, CTO Wireless, Cisco said: “WiFi is today a 'must-have' for enterprise networking, supporting both onsite operations and remote workers. Opening the 6GHz band for WiFi 6E will be a tremendous opportunity for enterprises across the economy to continue to reinvent and iterate on how WiFi generates value. Cisco is excited to work alongside the FCC, our customers and industry on the future of WiFi.”

Eric McLaughlin, VP Client Computing Group, GM Wireless Solutions Group, Intel Corporation said: “Intel commends the FCC on the leadership demonstrated by expanding the WiFi spectrum into 6GHz. This monumental decision represents the most significant contribution to WiFi in nearly 20 years and will help Intel and its partners continue to drive innovation, enabling the best wireless experiences for businesses and consumers.”

Chris Bruce, Managing Director, GlobalReach Technology said: “WiFi 6E will be truly transformational. It will accelerate customer experience improvements for operators and enterprises through better connectivity in congested, hard to reach places, and through low latency levels for consumer and industry applications, along with flexibility and cost savings.”

Park Jong-kwan, Vice President and Head of 5GX Labs, SK Telecom said: "With increased capacity and throughput, WiFi 6E will bring wireless services to the next level. The FCC's decision will help accelerate the introduction of innovative services based on WiFi 6E. SK Telecom will continue to work closely with diverse players of the WiFi ecosystem to develop new services that can enhance the experience of our individual and enterprise customers.”